Indiana Heritage Quilt Show, New and Old Quilts Galore

The annual Indiana Heritage Quilt Show in Bloomington, Indiana will be held March 4 - 6, 2010. Over two hundred fantastic quilt entries from around the country are entered in this non-juried event. A host of nationally recognized teachers hold classes from Thursday through Saturday, covering traditional and new quilt-making techniques. If you aren't able to take a class, each teacher brings a quilt for display as an example of individual style and techniques. The main quilt show exhibit and classes are held at the Bloomington Convention Center at 302 S College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403. Area quilt guilds will have raffle quilts on display in the lobby. (Buy a ticket; you never know...)

The Pilgrim/Roy Invitational Quilt Challenge will also be presented. Nationally known quilt artists were selected to create quilts from focus fabrics, and their results will be on display. The selected artists are Charlotte Angotti, Georgia Bonesteel, Karin Boutte, Elsie Campbell, Linda Carlson, Sharyn Craig, Jenny Raymond, Karen Stone and Pat Yamin. Many of these are authors who will be available for book signings.

The IHQS volunteers also put together an excellent quilt tour as part of the show. Park your car once at the free Convention Center lot, and take the free bus circuit to visit other history and art sites around downtown Bloomington, all with a focus on quilts and quilting. The Wylie House Museum is the home of the first president of Indiana University, and it will be decorated with antique quilts. The Wylie House Annual Seed Sale also takes place beginning this week, and you will find an assortment of heirloom seeds for sale. At the Mathers Museum you will find Contemporary by Design: The Works of Linda Gray. Most of Gray's quilts are accompanied by one of her poems. This is an interesting exhibit not to be missed. See additional quilts on exhibit in the historic Fountain Square Mall.

Gallery North is having a special FREE exhibit of fiber art pieces opening 5-8pm on Friday, March 5, 2010 and Saturday, March 6, from 11 - 6. Gallery North is on the north side of the courthouse square. The WonderLab Museum has special quilt-centered activities that focus on the math and science of quilt design. There will be hands-on activities for all ages that explore concepts such as geometric patterning and chromatography. The Monroe County History Center is presenting several special exhibits. The Nine Lives of Quilts will feature displays and information about elements of quiltmaking from design to care and restoration of antique quilts.

The museums listed are located within a few blocks of the main convention center, in case you decide to walk instead of ride the bus. A variety of vendors are in the immediate show area, at the convention center and across the street in another building.

Pay one admission at the Convention Center. Your stamped hand or 3-day bracelet gives you unlimited admission to the museums with quilt attractions as well as the main quilt show. Without the hand-stamp, you will be charged admission to most of the museums.

IHQS Quilt Show Admission Charges:
Adults - $7 per day or $15 for 3 days
Youth ages 7-12 - $2
Children ages 6 & under -FREE

I'm working with the History Center on The Nine Lives of Quilts, and I will be there Saturday afternoon to answer questions and offer information about quilt restoration.

The IHQS is becoming one of the best known quilt events in the Midwest. The scope of the artists and the talented quiltmakers is excellent. Many of the quilts at this show will also be entered in the American Quilters Society shows and other juried national events. This is a wonderful opportunity to see inspiring, top quality workmanship in a slower-paced atmosphere. More information is here, and throughout the IHQS website.

Bloomington is blessed with a number of unique galleries and museums that you would not ordinarily find in a small town. This link takes you to a brochure listing the many cultural and art museums in Bloomington.

Sources linked in text.
Personal experience